You are in the hospital supply room when a bottle of cleaning solution is dropped and splashes into your eye. What should you do FIRST?

When a cleaning solution splashes into the eye, the first and most critical response is to flush the eyes with water immediately. This action helps to dilute and remove the harmful substance from the eye, reducing the risk of serious injury or chemical burns. The eye is particularly vulnerable, and prompt rinsing can minimize damage by flushing out the irritant.

Flushing with water should be done for a minimum of 15 minutes, and it's crucial to keep the eyelids open to ensure that the water thoroughly washes the surface of the eye. Seeking medical help is essential after the initial flushing, but the immediate priority is to mitigate the chemical exposure. Other options, such as waiting for assistance or applying antibiotic ointment, are inappropriate responses at this stage because they could delay essential care and potentially worsen the injury.